Rutherford updates PCFC on Pike projects

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford gave the Fiscal Court updates on several projects throughout the county at the last Court meeting.

Judge Rutherford commended Doug Tackett and Pike Emergency Services for their success in implementing the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), which will allow police, fire and emergency service departments to quickly mobilize emergency response personnel and communicate with them via text messaging and computer networking.

“Years ago, when people needed to hear an important message, a bell would sound,” Rutherford said. “Growing up in a railroad community, we listened for a whistle. Now we have this system, it will save lives.”

He encouraged Pike residents to sign up for the service by visiting http://entry.inspironlogistics.com/pike_co_ky/wens.cfm.

The County is working the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to move residents out of flood prone areas of the county.

“We have told the federal government that these people right back after a flood,” Rutherford said. “Finally, they heard us. We were glad to get $7 million dollars to help these people.”

He also commended Executive Assistant Jeanne Robinson for coordinating that program.

Emergency Management Service Director Doug Tackett told the Court that although Questcare ambulance service has shut down, Appalachian First Response and Transtar have been working to ensure the Phelps area is covered.

“We hope to get a station up and running in that area,” Tackett said. “Those companies are looking to hire additional employees.”

District Five Magistrate Hilman Dotson spoke to the Court about the need for a restroom near the Hatfield-McCoy Park in McCarr. He said there was some property near the park that would be suitable for a trailhead for the proposed ATV trail system. He said a restroom there could be used for during events at the park’s amphitheater.